Snowdonia ('Eryri' in Welsh) is a popular tourist destination and Wales's longest established National Park. It covers a vast 823 square miles making it the third largest in the UK and is composed of hundreds of lakes, rivers and the biggest mountains outside of Scotland.
Snowdonia is one of the best places to camp in the UK, with over a hundred individual campsites which include:
Tent pitches
Glamping pods
Luxury yurts
Caravan parks
Holiday cottages
Snowdon base camp
North Wales is rich in natural beauty with rugged mountain scenery and incredible beaches. This makes Snowdonia one of the best places to camp in the UK, for those who enjoy exploration and beautiful views!
Is Snowdonia National Park good for camping?
As well as the incredible scenery, there are lots of attractions and adventure activities in Snowdonia making it the perfect destination for a camping trip.
One of the best things about camping is reconnecting with the great outdoors. Snowdonia is one of the best natural landscapes in the UK and the beautiful forests, rocky ridges and cascading waterfalls which make up this incredible national park are a haven for campers.
There are so many options to choose from including back-to-basics grassy fields to a variety of unique luxury glamping options. The National Park boasts over 100 campsites meaning there is something for everyone.
To get an idea of the best locations in Snowdonia and other available accommodation check out our blog post about the best places to stay in Snowdonia.
When is the best time of year to go camping in Snowdonia?
Summer is statistically the season with the driest and warmest weather here in Snowdonia. This also makes it the busiest season.
May, June and July have the longest days with the 21st June (usually the longest day) having nearly 17 hours of daylight giving you get plenty of hours to admire the incredible scenery.
Spring is a special time in the National Park as nature awakens after the long winter. The days can be lovely and warm but the temperature plummets at night and you can get frosts well into April. You will need warm gear such as a 3 or 4 season sleeping bag to keep you warm at night.
Snowdonia's flora soaks up sunlight all summer and releases it in a cacophony of colour in Autumn.
What type of campsites are there in Snowdonia?
Snowdonia National Park has a range of campsites, from tent campers with basic facilities to a luxury glamping yurts complete with WIFI, kitchen and hot tub etc.
Whether you want a peaceful riverside setting, sea views or a or a rustic mountain field to pitch your tent, you are spoilt for choice.
General camping and types of facilities to expect
All campsites in Snowdonia have toilet facilities and hot showers and all of the ones listed in this article have incredible views and good access to and around the National Park.
After picking a great location you should think about your requirements.
For example some sites have:
Fire pits
Hot tubs
Kids playground
Shop selling local produce
TV room
Internet access
Laundry facilities
If you want choose a campsite based on the facilities they offer then a really good resource is campsites.co.uk which lets you filter by facilities.
Our recommended Snowdonia campsites
There are literally hundreds of campsites in Snowdonia National Park and further afield in North Wales. We have chosen some of the best...
Small and peaceful campsites
Camping is all about getting away from it all while you enjoy a nice view.
Gyfyng Smallholding is a unique place of space, tranquillity and seclusion. It is set in 30 acres of woodland and open field which is skirted by the River Dwyfor. Positioned between Snowdonia and the Llyn Peninsula it is a great location to experience both beaches and mountains.
The Smugglers Cove also has a calm and relaxed vibe. Three individual pitches are separated by shrubs and have their own firepit and uninterrupted views across the Ynyslas Sand Dunes and the National Nature Reserve of Borth Bog. The Smugglers Cove has other accommodation options available including a repurposed boat, now a unique glamping experience.
Family camping
Tyn Cornel riverside campsite is just four miles from Bala lake and offers traditional grass pitch camping, hard standing electric hook ups camping and glamping pods. One of the best things about this campsite is the picnic tables complete with roofs and E bike hire which could make this camping site the perfect place for the whole family.
Campsites with kids playgrounds include the family run Tyn-yr-Onnen farm and close to Bala lake and a good base for water sports is Bwch-yn-Uchaf.
Surrounded by mountains
In the heart of the Ogwen valley at the foot of Tryfan is Gwern Gof Isaf. This is one of the original Snowdonia campsites and has been in the same family for 8 generations since 1906.
The Rynys Camping Site is just two miles from the quaint village of Betws-y-Coed and has a shepherd's hut which is available to hire.
Campsites near Snowdon
If you are going to climb Snowdon then one of these Snowdon basecamp sites are perfect. You will be able to roll out of your sleeping bag, slip your feet into your walking boots and slide straight on one of Snowdon's walking trails.
Watkin Path Campsite
Hafod y Llan campsite is situated right at the bottom of the Watkin Path is as close to Snowdon as you will get. The Watkin Path is the toughest walking route up Snowdon but the campsite and the footpath have stunning views.
Llanberis Path Campsite
The Llanberis Path is the easiest route up Snowdon and Camping in Llanberis is the closest campsite to this. It is situated within walking distance (around 1km) from both the centre of Llanberis and the start of the footpath. It is a grassy field with basic facilities a perfect location.
Ranger Path & Rhyd-Ddu Path Campsite
The closest campsite to the Ranger Path and Rhyd-Ddu footpath is the Snowdon Base Camp/ Cwellyn Arms campsite. The field to pitch your tent on has stunning lakeside views as it is situated right next to Llyn Cwellyn.
Other Campsites
Further afield is the Gwynant Campsite / Llyn Gwynant Campsite which is 3.5km from Pen y pass and the start of Pyg and Miners Track. We wouldn't recommend walking from your tent though as it would make for a very long day.
If you want a pint or two of local ale after your hike then a 'CAMRA Pub of the Year' award winning real ale pub with microbrewery could be your tipple. The Snowdonia Parc is also conveniently situated just 4 miles from the foot of mount Snowdon.
Best Glamping pods in Snowdonia
Glamping (glamourous camping) is the best of both worlds. You get the outdoor experience of camping but with modern amenities such as a proper bed and electricity.
If you want a magical adventure kids and adults alike will love then what could be better than staying in a tree house. The Living-Room Tree Houses were one of Lonely Planet's top 52 weekends in the world and featured in George Clarke's Amazing Spaces. This exquisitely crafted gem is set in the canopy of a bluebell woodland at the end of 'the hippy trail'.
Based at the foothills of Snowdonia's Carneddau mountain range and close to Aber Falls are the Three Streams Glamping Pods. There are just two pods giving the site a quiet feel while you admire the incredible sea views from your hot tub.
With the aim of increasing biodiversity The Cabins Conwy are set in natural woodland and ponds. Their stunning setting is matched only by their excellent location with quick and easy access to some of Snowdonia's top attractions. The River Henryd flows along the western edge of the site and is home to a resident otter.
If you are looking for a luxury Glamping Yurt complete with a BBQ hut and highland cattle then Snowdonia Farm Holiday is perfect. It is in an excellent location to access the highlights in North Snowdonia including Snowdon.
The 'Llechwedd Glamping Tents' are insulated against the winter weather and are right in the heart of the National Park so are a great base to explore the local area.
Further south near the town of Barmouth and Cadir Idris mountain is Graig Wen which includes a campsite, yurts, bell tents and cottages. The highlight of their range, in our opinion, is Jones the Shepherd’s Hut which is set in a tranquil silver birch glade. This distinctive hut comes with log burning stove to keep you cosy on those chilly Snowdonia evenings.
Snowdon Glamping Pods
The Bryn Dinas Camping Pods are near Snowdon and just a five minute walk from the start of the Watkin Path. They also have a Log Cabin, Lodges and Cottages available.
Is there a caravan park too?
There are a plethora of caravan parks in Snowdonia.
At the foot of Snowdon is Bryn Gloch. This award winning site has stunning views and is suitable for Caravans, Motorhomes & Tents.
If you want peace and tranquillity, set in wooded hillside with views of Snowdon then Snowdon View Holiday Park is what you are looking for.
Nestled in the beautiful Conwy valley is the Bodnant Caravan Park. This well manicured site is ideally located to visit Bodnant Gardens, Conwy Castle and Surf Snowdonia.
Barmouth Bay Holiday Park has an indoor heated pool, adventure playground, outdoor sports court and direct beach access.
Nearby Glasfryn park is the Llwyn Ffynnon Caravan and Camping Site. It is ideally located being in the centre of the Llyn Peninsula
Is wild camping allowed in Snowdonia?
In upland areas, the Countryside & Rights Of Way Act (CROW) specifically state (under the list of restrictions in Schedule 2{1} s) that wild camping is not a permitted activity unless granted by permission.
In spite of this people do wild camp. Those who camp responsibly and discretely in the hills and mountains and follow the Snowdonia Wild Camping Code are likely to go unnoticed. "If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?".
Are there campervan sites in Snowdonia?
Most of Snowdonia’s official campsites allow campervans and caravans and the best on offer are in the 'Is there a caravan park too?' section of this article.
Where can you park a campervan overnight?
Staying overnight at a car park in a campervan or caravan is not permitted in Snowdonia National Park and you might get moved on. There are a lot of campervans parked in the Ogwen valley suspiciously late at night and early in the morning.
Conclusion
When you visit Snowdonia you are spoilt for choice with great campsites so you can be quite selective to find one that suits your needs.
To get the most out of your Snowdonia experience, learn about the incredible mountain scenery and have a great day out consider joining one of our inexpensive group walks at Walk Snowdonia!
Want to learn more about Snowdonia? Check out these blogs: